Join Brick’s new book club for readers fascinated by NYC’s real estate history

If you’re fascinated by New York City’s real estate history and love to read, you’ll want to join Brick Underground for our first book club discussion of “A History of Housing in New York City” by Richard Plunz.

The book is taught in many college courses and follows the evolution of all types of housing in the city stretching from 1850 to the current era. It includes a broad look at political and cultural events in the city underpinning changes in housing, and the revised edition adds three decades, including the housing bubble, gentrification, and climate issues facing NYC. (Note: A book review by Brick Underground will be published soon.)

Brick’s new book club is being spearheaded by Justin DeMaris, a Brick investor and advisor.

“We love to read about NYC real estate and its rich history,” DeMaris said. “And reading is much more fun when you have a group to share your reactions and questions. NYC’s real estate ecosystem is so complex that it helps to bring minds together when learning about it.”

DeMaris chose this book as opposed to the typical book club fare because it supports Brick’s mission to demystify NYC housing.

“Much of NYC residential real estate has been shaped by the evolution of housing laws, for example, requirements for fresh air and structural integrity, and fire safety,” he said. “This book deals with the public housing that resulted, the origin and foundation of cooperatives and architectural design trends that responded to these laws.”

Sign up to join the discussion

You will have to head over to your local library or bookseller to get your copy. And the book clocks in at a hefty 512 pages, so be sure to get started soon. Paperback and digital versions are also available via Columbia University Press.

The discussion will be held online. If participants are interested in a combined virtual and in-person event, future gatherings may include an in-person component.

Sign up here to let us know you’ll be joining us and receive a link to the discussion.

What: Brick Underground’s first book club discussion of “A History of Housing in New York City,” by Richard Plunz
When: Wednesday, Dec. 10th at 7 p.m.
Where: Online—sign up to have a link emailed to you.